The Dooley Family and Luz Del Alba from Dominican Republic
🥇 Winner
Honestly, with four kids aged five and under—including two under two—we never imagined we’d be considered for Host Family of the Year. Our life is loud, messy, and far from picture-perfect. But it’s full of love, laughter, and Luz is something truly special!
From the moment she joined our family, Luz became more than just an au pair—she became a teammate, a role model, and a steady, joyful presence in the whirlwind of our daily lives. Mornings in our house are what we lovingly call blissful chaos: tiny shoes hiding, three kids running in opposite directions while I juggle a newborn. But if I’ve been up all night, Luz is there—helping get the kids dressed, making breakfast, unloading the dishwasher—bringing calm to the storm and giving me just a moment to breathe. That kind of support is more than helpful. It’s life-changing.
Any au pair who chooses to extend her stay in a house this full of energy and unpredictability has a heart of gold. Luz didn’t just stay—she leaned in with patience, humor, and endless love. She embraces the chaos and makes it lighter.
What makes our experience even more meaningful is the cultural exchange woven into our every day. Luz shares her language, stories, and traditions, and our family grows in perspective and appreciation. Our kids are not only cared for—they’re learning to see the world with wider eyes.
We may not be the most polished host family—but we are real, grateful, and incredibly lucky to have Luz. And if anyone deserves to be Au Pair of the Year, it’s her.






